Drape for operating microscope

ABSTRACT

The microscope drape is fabricated from a very thin, transparent, heat-resistant plastic film which is adapted to completely house an operating microscope including its support arms whereby no air can escape from the interior of the drape except through the open end thereof which is located remote from the microscope. The drape includes an optically clear, distortion free, transparent lens and means for disposing said lens in parallel, enclosing relationship with the objective lens of the microscope. The drape also includes cylinder-defining ocularhousing extensions which include means for securing said extensions to the oculars of a microscope for precluding the escape of air from the interior of the drape by way of said extensions.

United States Patent I Walchle et al. 0

[54] DRAPE FOR OPERATING MICROSCOPE [72] Inventors: David L. Walchle;Russell G. Smith; James L. Geraci, all of Cincinnati,

Ohio

[73] Assignee: Xomox Corporation, Cincinnati,

Ohio

[22] Filed: April 19, 1971 [21] Appl.No.: 135,108

[52] US. Cl. ..350/61, 350/65', 350/67 [51] Int. Cl. ..G02b 27/00 [58]Field of Search ..350/6l,'64, 65, 67, 70, 140,,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,528,720 1 9/1970 Treace..'..350/61 2,906,170 9/1959 Kiehletal. ..350/140 2,984,153 -5/l96lBrennan..'.' .L ..350/l4OX 1451 Oct. 17, 1972 3,133,140 5/1964 Winchell..350/65 Primary Examiner- John K. Corbin Attorney-J. Warren Kinney, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT ing said lens in parallel, enclosing relationship with theobjective lensof the microscope. The drape also includescylinder-defining ocular-housing extensions which include means forsecuring said extensions to the oculars of a microscope for precludingthe escape of air from the interior of the drape by way of saidextensions.

21 Claims, 29 Drawing Figures 5O 38 O 32 20 O 4 PATENTEB UB1 17 I972 3,.6 88,79 1

sum 1 nr 7 INVENTORS DAVID L. WALCHLE RUSSELL 6. SMITH JAMES L. GERAC IPATENTEBnm 11 I972 SHEET 2 [IF 7 PATENTED 0m 17 I972 SHEEI 3 [IF 7PATENTEDum men 3 698 791 sum 5 or 7 .FIGFI'I so PATENTEBnm 1? m2 SHEET 7(IF 7 DRAPE FOR OPERATING MICROSCOPE BACKGROUND OFINVENTION 1. Field ofthe Invention The field of invention relates to a sterilized, disposabledrape for completely enclosing an operative microscope including itssupport arm.

2. Description of the Prior Art The closest prior art is embodied inU.S. Pat; No. 3,528,720 wherein the prior art problems solved by thatpatent are set forth in Col. 1, line 39 through Col. 2,line 36.

Pat. No. 3,528,720 relates to a sack like envelope of flexible materialopen at one end and initially closed at the other end and having:

a. initially closed-ended tubular sleeve portions adapted to receive theeye-piece projections of a microscope after which the closed ends areremoved for uncovering and completely exposing the viewing apertures ofthe eye-pieces;

b. an open objective lens ring adapted to be secured to a projectingportion of the objective lens of the microscope for exposing the lens,and

c. an exhaust port located in substantial alignment with they aforesaidobjective lens ring. The said exhaust port constitutes a .mass of opencell, foam-plastic disposed above the objective lens illuminating lampand through which the heated air from the interior of the envelope isexhausted. It is stated in Col. 5, lines 67-73, of this patent, that theaforesaid foam-plastic also has been found to be useful for rapidlycleaning the working ends portions of hand held surgical instruments.During an operation, a surgeon or attending nurse may quickly wipe asurgical instrument across the upper surface structure of foam plasticdisc mass 85 and quickly clean the instrument.

The operating microscope envelope means of Pat.

-No. 3,528,720 are applied to a cantilever supported wound particularlyin those instances-in which the preclude the exhaust of heated air intoan operating room ata location adjacent to the operating zone and/or thepatient being operated on. The subject drape also includes ashatter-proof,optically clear lens panel as an integral part of thedrape and means are provided internally of the drape for securely thoughreleasably mounting said lens relative to the operative lens frame ofthe microscope for providing a sterile,

germ-proof, optically clear barrier between the operative lens of themicroscope and the surgical wound of the patient for, thereby positivelyprecluding contamination of the wound and/or operating zone by falloutof dust, germs or other foreign, contaminated particles which arenormally present on the unsterile microscope lens. The subject drapelikewise includes sterile open-ended tubular members integral with oneend of the drape which are adapted to telescopically engage thenon-sterile projecting oculars in such a manner that only the outerends'of the eyepiece of said oculars areexposed through theouter openends of said tubular members, at a location remote from the immediateoperating zone. The aforesaid tubular members aresecurely thoughreleasably fastened to the projecting oculars whereby to positivelypreclude the exhaust of heated airinto the operating room via saidtubular members. In a modification of the subject drape a sterile,shatter-proof, optically clear lens member is fixedly secured to andcarried by the outer end portion of each tubular member for completelyclosing the outer end thereof for thereby providing a sterile,germ-proof, optically clear barrier between the eyepieces of theprojecting'oculars of the microscope and the user of the microscope forthereby positivelyprecluding contamination of the patient and/or theoperating zone from dust, germs, or other contaminating particles whichare ordinarily present on the occulars and their respective eye-pieces.Y

The microscope drape of the present invention comprises a flexible, verythin, preferably transparent copolymer capable of withstandingtemperatures in excess of 300? F., whereby the drape material is notadversely effected by reason of the substantially high temperatureswithin the drape which are produced by the objective lens illuminatinglamp of the microscope. Heated air from the interior of the subjectdrape, is discharged into the operating room ata location remote fromthe microscope and the patient, viz, at a location adjacent theconnection between said arm The open operative lens ring of the priorart patent Summary of the Invention The microscope drape of the presentinvention is directed to a completely sterile housing within which anunsterile microscope and its support arm is completely housed in such amanner to positively with its support means.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the entire drape assemblyis completely sterilized both externally and internally afterbeingfolded and packed in an individual envelope, wherein a plurality ofsuch individual envelopes are housed within. a carton and wherein aplurality of cartons and their contents are sterilized such as by meansof electron beam radiation sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization,or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side view of a typical arm-supportedoperating microscope housed within a drape of the present invention.

FIG. l-A is a sectional view taken on line 1A1A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a drape in the folded condition in which it isinitially removed from a sterile envelope in which the drape ispackaged. 7

FIG. 3, 4 and 5 are plan views showing the drape of FIG. 2 in sequentialsteps of being unfolded for application to an operative microscope andits supportarrn.

. FIGS. 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11 and 12 are sequential plan views showing themanner in which the drape is associated with an operative microscope andits support arm.

FIG. 13 is a view, partly in vertical section, illustrating therelationship of the drape-lens, or lens housing with the objective lensring of the type which projects from the lens housing of a microscope.

FIG. l4is asimilar view to FIG. 8 illustrating the relationship of thedrape-lens or lens housing with the recessed objective lens ring of anoperating microscope. I q r FIG. 15 is a perspective viewillustratingthe relationship of the drape-lens, drape and drape-lensmounting means of the present invention. I

. FIG. 16 is a plan view of the drape having cylindrical extensions forhousing a microscope having two oculars in a fully extended'condition. I

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 of a drape havingcylindricalextensions for housing a microscope having four oculars;

FIG. 18 is a plan view, partly in section, illustrating a modificationof the cylindrical extensions which engage the oculars of an operatingmicroscope.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged sectional view of the lower end of one of thecylindrical extensions ofFIG. 13.

FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 are modifications of FIGS. l3,

l4 and '15.

- FIG. 23 is a plan view, partly in section, of a modification of adrape-lens illustrating its relationship with the projecting objectivelens of an operation microscope. i

, FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the cylindrical extensions of thesubject drape which are provided with en closures in the form oftransparent lenses. no. 25isa sectional view taken on line 25-25 of FIG.24. 7

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a modification of a drape lens of thepresent invention.

FIG. 27 is a view partly in section illustrating the relationship of thedrape lens of FIG. 26 with the projecting operative lens of amicroscope.

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG; 2'] illustrating the relationship'ofthe drape lens of FIG. 26 with the recessed operative lens of amicroscope.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 4 ample, the eyes, ears, nose,throat, etc. The microscope includes an objective lens 40 and anilluminating lamp, not illustrated, it being understood that themicroscope, in its entirety, including its support arm, is

In FIGS. 1, 10 and 12, the numeral 20 denotes .tient to be treatedand/or operated on, such as, for exa standard piece of medical equipmentand constitutes no part of the subject invention. With furtherreference-to said FIGS; the numeral 50 denotes generally an elongatedrape fabricated from a thin, preferably transparent, copolymer sheetmaterial of the type which is capable of withstanding temperatures up to300.F. without injurious effects.

As best illustrated in FIG. 16, drape 50 comprises a substantiallytubular member having a body portion 52 which is open at one end, 54,and wherein the other end terminates in one or more cylindricalextensions 56 dimensioned to telescopically engage the oculars 38 of amicroscope, in a manner hereinafter more fully set forth. The numeral60denotes a sheet or lens of transparent material which completely spansand closes the outer surface of an aperture 65 provided through lenshousing 64 which is secured to and carried by the inner surface of bodyportion 52 of. the drape at a location adjacent, but spaced from thecylindrical extensions 56.

The lens housing 64 is adapted to be securely though releaseablyfrictionally mounted to the projecting objective lens ring A of themicroscope housing B, as best illustrated in FIGS. ,13 and 20 fordisposing sheet or lens 60 in covering relationship with respect to theouter end of said lens ring. Uniformly satisfactory results have beenobtainedin those instances when the lens housing 6 4 is fabricated fromexpanded,'crosslinked polyethylene foam, the upper and lower surfaces ofwhich are coated with pressure-sensitive adhesive indicated by thenumerals 61 and 63. The outer or drapeadjacent surface of the lenshousing is coated with a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive 61whereas the other or upper surface is coated with a quick releasepressure-sensitive adhesive 63 which is normally and initially coveredwith a removable,-protective layerof paper or the like, denotedgenerally by the numeral 66, see FIG; 15

The opening 65 of the lens housing of. FIGS. 1-3 and 20 is of adimension substantially equal to, but preferably slightly less than thediameter of the objective lens ring A, whereby under all normalcircumstances the lens ring will be securely anchored to the objectivelens ring by means of the frictional relationship between the adjacentsurfaces 65 and 67 of the lens housing and lens ring respectively.

However, if desired, the protective layer 66 may be removed from theinner surface of the lens housing for engagement with the lower surface68 of the microscope housing B adjacent the lens ring A.

FIGS. 14 and 21 illustrate the manner in which the lens housing 64. maybe secured to the lower surface 68 of the microscope housing B of thosemicroscopes of the type in which the lens ring is recessed as at C, inwhich event the adhesive surface 63 of the lens housing is adheredto'surface 68 of the microscope housing, for disposing sheet or lens 60in covering, spaced relationship with respect to the recessed lens ringC.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 the numeral 60denotes a shatter-proof, optically clear lens which is permanentlysecured relative to the inner surface D of body 52 of the drape by meansof the permanent pressure sensitive adhesive 61, which is coated on thedrape-adjacent-surface of the lens housing 64.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the drape material isprovided with an aperture 71 into which lens 60 is received, note FIGS.13 and 14, in such a manner as to provide a fluid and air-tightcontinuity to the body portion of the drape.

The primary distinction between the disclosure of FIGS. 13, 14, and 15with FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 resides in the fact that in the latter threefiguresthe drape material 52, per se, completely spans the aperture 65and the drape-adjacent-surface of the lens housing whereby to provide acontinuous, closed surface to body portion 52 of the drape.

The cylindrical extensions '56 terminate in open, outer ends 57, inorder that they may be pulled downwardly over and then securely, thoughreleaseably, fastened to oculars 38 by suitable constricting means suchas, by way of example, members 74 which have an inner surface adhered tothe outer surface of each extension 56 and an outer surface having apressure sensitive adhesive 75 (FIG. 8) coated with a protective strip76 of paper or the like. After each extension 56 has been pulled over anoccular, the protective strip 76 is peeled off for exposing adhesivesurface 75. The operating room nurse merely provides a tuck 77 in theextension which is disposed over and pressed against the adhesivesurface 75 for securing the extension in positive, snug, circumferentialengagement with the outer surface of occular 38, as in FIGS. 1A and 8.In this manner the cylindrical extensions'engage the oculars 38 withsufficient tightness to preclude the transmittal and/or escape of heatedair from the interior of the drape via said tubular members. It shouldlikewise be noted that the securing of the drape extensions to theoculars avoids the use of elastic bands and the like which presentedproblems of being easily misplaced, dropped or breaking.

The length of the drape is such that its open end 54 will terminate atthat end of the microscope supportarm assembly at a location closelyadjacent standard 22.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention two thin, flexible, narrow,elongate tie strips 82 of material similar to that from which the drapeis made are secured to and carried externally of the drape body (FIGS.l6, l7 one spaced inwardly from, but adjacent outer end 54 of the drape,the other about midway of the drape, between the lens housing 64 and theother stri I Iii the preferred embodiment of the invention a shortlength 84 of double faced adhesive is used to secure an end of eachstrip 82 to the outer surface of the drape. -A portion of one adhesivesurface of the adhesive member is adhered over end portion J of strip 84with the rest of the adhesive surface engaging thedrape at K. The outersurface of the adhesive is covered with a removable protective layer ofpaper, or the like, indicated by the numeral 86 which is adapted to beremoved, see FIG. 11, for exposing adhesive surface 88 to which theinner surface of strip 82 may be adhered upon contact therewith, ashereinafter more fully explained.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the numerals 90 denotegenerally a resilient element such as, by way of example, an'O-ring orthe like of a diameter less than the CD. of an ocular 38, wherein saidelement is fixedly secured to the free outer end of a tubular member 56,such as by providing a loop 59 in the tubular member in which theelement is housed incident to heat sealing at 55. r f It should beunderstood that elements 90 yieldably constrict the outer ends oftubular members 56 whereby to securely though releasably engage theouter periphery of an ocular over which a tubular member has beenpulled, as in FIG. 1.

In FIGS. 24 and 25 the outer ends of the tubular members 56 are closedby means of a transparent, optically clear lens 53'suitably securedtheretoby means of an adhesive 49 interposed between adjacent portionsof the lens and intumed flange-like end 47 of member 56.

FIG. 23 discloses modification of the lens housing 64, wherein theentire housing 164 is fabricated in a single piece from a suitabletransparent, optically clear material formed to provide a flat lensportion 160, a cylindrical, objective lens ring-engaging portion 162 andan outturned flat drape engaging portion 165 which is secured to theouter surface 167 of drape 52 by means of adhesive 168. The'innerdiameter of portion 162is dimensioned to securely through releasablyfrictionally engage the outer surface 67 of the objective lens ring A,as illustrated.

In FIGS. 26, 27 and 28 a further modification of lens housing 64 isillustrated, wherein the entire lens housing 264 is fabricated in asingle piece from a suitable transparent, optically clear materialformed to provide a flat lens portion 260, a substantially cylindrical,objective lens ring engaging portion 262 having a plurality of inwardlyprojecting abutments 263 which are dimensioned to yieldably engage theouter surface 67 of the outwardly projecting objective lens ring A, asillustrated in FIG. 27. An outturned, flat, drape-engaging portion 265is secured to the inner face of the drape 52 by means of an adhesive, aheat seal, or the like for disposing the lens housingto the drape withportion 262 projecting downwardly from and outwardly through an opening272 in the drape.

The lower surface of a double faced adhesive member 274 is adhered tothe upper surface of portion 265. The upper adhesive surface 276 isnormally covered with a removable paper backing 278 which I when peeledoff enables adhesive surface 276 to engage and adhere to the lowersurface 280 of the microscope housing B. As a general rule when lenshousing 264 is associated with the outwardly projecting objective lensring A, as in FIG. 27 the upper, adhesive surface remains covered withthe backing sheet 278, however, when a microscope has a recessed lensring C, as in FIG. 28, the backing sheet'is removed to enable the upperadhesive surface 276 to be adhered to lower surface 280 of themicroscope housing B.

If desired, lenses 53 and 60 may be fabricated from 7 glass, or anyother suitable gas-impervious material such as, by way of example,double A grade 0.050 glass which is characterized by its opticalclarity,resistance to scratching and ease of cleaning. 1

With particular reference now to FIG. 2, it will be noted that thesubject drape as removed from its sterile envelope is folded into thecompact package illustrated.

In order to house a microscope within the drape, it is unfolded as inFIGS. 3, 4 and 5 after which it may be initially introduced, as in FIG.6, over the oculars and other portions of the microscope wherein onehand of an attendant will grasp the outer or lower surface of the drapeat the lens housing for fitting said housing onto the projecting portionA of the microscope lens ring, as in FIG. 7, whereby the lens housingwill be securely,

through releaseably, anchoredrelative to the objective lens of themicroscope. Thereafter, or before the lens housing is secured to theobjective lens ring of the microscope, tubular portions 56 of the drapeare pulled downwardly over the eyepieces 36 and thenceover oculars 38.The tubular portions 56 may then be secured to the oculars, after whichthe free open end 54 of the drape may be grasped, as in FIGS. 9 and 10,for unfolding and extending thedrape over the oversupport arms 28, 26and 24. The drape is then preferably secured relative to arm portions 24and 28 of the supporting structure by means of fastening members-82, orthe like, whereby the drape will be secured to the microscope and itssupporting members as illustratedin FIG. 1 with the open end of thedrape terminating at or closely adjacent to support member 22.

From the foregoing it will be noted that the drape of cally clear,distortion free, thin, transparent, flat lens to overlie an objectivelens of said microscope in spaced, parallel, enclosing relationshipthereto, thereby sealing the microscope in the operating zone to preventexhaust of air and spread of germs from the microscope into theoperating zone.

2. A disposable microscope drapeas called for in claim 1, wherein thematerial. from which -it is fabricated constitutes co-polymer sheetingone mil thick capable of withstanding temperatures up to 350F. Y v

'3. A disposable microscope drape ascalled for in claim 1, wherein thelens ring housing includes means for securely though releasably engaginga portion of a microscope adjacent the objective lens thereof forpositioning the lens of the drape in spaced, parallel,-enclosingrelationship with the objective lens of the microscope.

4. A disposable. microscopedrape as called for in claim 1, wherein thelens ring housing includes a peripheral shoulder which projects upwardlyfrom its lens whereby to securely though releasably engage porthesubject inventioncompletely houses all portions of A the microscopeand'its supporting means in "such a manner as to positively preclude the'escapeof germs, dust, hot air or other undesirable, infection-promotingmedia in the operating zone. The lens housing of the drape positivelyencloses the entire lower portion of the microscope, and those tubularportionsof the drape which are tightly secured to oculars 38-effectively preclude passage of heated air, bacteria and the like intothe operating zone via the oculars- Of course,"

when the tubular members of the drape are provided with lenses 53, as inFIG. 24, the eyepiece 36 and o cu lars 38 are also completely housedwithin the drape, thereby providing a condition of'maximum ascepticonditions. i

After a drape has served its purpose, it may be quickly removed from themicroscope and its mounting means by severing mem bers 82 and thenpulling the drape over the microscope, after which the drape isdiscarded.

What is claimed is: 1. A disposable microscope drape for positioningover an operating microscope in enclosing sealing relationship theretoto prevent exhaust of air from within the drape into an operating roomat a location adjacent to an operating zone, said drape fabricated fromthin, flexible, air impervious material and comprising an elongate,continuous substantially tubular drape open at one end and terminatingat the other end in at least one elongate, outwardly projectingcylinder-defining extension for receiving the ocular of the microscope,means on said extension for sealingthe extensionrelative to the occularagainst the escape of air through said extension, said drape havingmeans for exhausting air from therewithin at a location remote from theoperating zone, a lens ring housing secured and sealed to and carried bysaid tubular drape at a location remote from its open end, said lensring housing including. an optitions of the outer surface of theprojecting objective lens ring of a microscope for positioning the lensof the drape in spaced, parallel, enclosing relationship with theobjective lens of the microscope.

5. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 1, wherein thelens ring housing includes an upper, axial surfacehaving pressuresensitive adhesive thereon for adherence to a portion of the housing ofa microscope adjacent the objective lens thereof for securely thoughreleasably positioning the lens of the drape in spaced, parallel,enclosing relationship with the objective lens of the microscope.

6. A disposable'microscope drape as called for in claim 1, whereinthe'lens ring housing includes a peripheral shoulder portion whichprojects upwardly from its lens and which includes an upper, axialsurface extending from the upper end of said shoulder portion,said-axial surface having pressure sensitive-adhesive thereon andremovable masking means covering said adhesive, whereby the saidlensring housing is adapted to be secured either to portions of theouter surface of the projecting objective lens ring of a microscopeintroduced into the shoulder portion of the lens ring housing, or to aportion of the housing of a microscope adjacent the objective lensthereof adhered to the pressure sensitive surface of the lens ringhousing for securely though releasably positioning the lens of the drapein spaced, parallel, enclosing relationship with the objective lens ofthe microscope.

7. A disposable microscope drape as calledfor in claim 1, wherein thelens ring housing is secured to and carried by the inner surface of thetubular member.

8. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 1, wherein thecylinder-defining extensions are open ended and dimensioned to looselyengage the projecting oculars of a microscope with the eyepieces of saidocula'rs extending beyond the outer open ends of said extensions, andmeans secured to and carried by each such extension for constrictingeach extension on an ocular for precluding the escape of air from theinside of the drape via said extensions.

9. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 8, wherein thelength of the tubularmember is sufficient to house the entire head of anoperating microscope including the support arms by which it isadjustably mounted relative to a vertical standard, with the open end ofthetubular member adjacent said standard, whereby air from inside thedrape is exhausted only through its open end at a location remote fromthe microscope head of the microscope.

10. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 8, wherein themeans for constricting said cylinder-defining extensions onto theoculars of a microscope comprises: a length of double faced adhesive,one face of which is adhered directly to the outer surface of anextension, the other face of which is covered with a removableprotective strip which when removed presents an adhesive surface towhich other portions of the extension are adhered for effecting andmaintaining an air tight seal between an ocular of the microscope andits corresponding extensionof the drape.

11. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 8, wherein themeans for constricting said cylinder-defining extensions onto theoculars of a microscope comprises: a ring shaped, resilient membersecured to and carried by the outer open end of each cylinder-definingextension, wherein the normal diameter of said resilient members areless than the outer diameter of the oculars to provide an air tight sealbetween the oculars and their respective drape extensions.

12. A disposable drape as called for in claim 1, wherein the lens ringhousing constitutes expanded cross-linked polyethylene foam.

13. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 1, wherein thelens ring housing and the optically clear, distortion free, transparentlens are integrally formed from the lens material.

14. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 1, wherein anoptically clear, distortion free, transparent lens is secured to andcarried by the outer end of each of the cylinder-defining extensions.

15. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 14, wherein thelenses in the ends of the said cylinder-defining extensions aredimensioned to be received over and in enclosing relationship with theeyepieces of the oculars of a microscope.

16. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 14, wherein thecylinder-defining extensions include means integral therewith forsecuring the extensions to the oculars of a microscope for positioningand maintaining the lenses in the ends of the extensions in contactingenclosing relationship with the eyepieces of the oculars.

17. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 1, wherein thelength of the tubular member is sufficient to house the entire head ofan operating microscope and the support arms by which the microscope isadjustably mounted relative to a vertical standard, with the open end ofthe tubular member adjacent said standard.

18. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 17, wherein thetubular member includes one or more elongate, flexible tie membersintermediate its length.

19. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 18, wherein thetie members are integral with the tubular member and located between thesaid lens ring housing and the open end of the drape.

20. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 19, wherein thetie members are of such a length as to encircle the tubular member whengathered loosely about the microscope support arms.

21. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 20, wherein thetie members comprise an elongate, flexible member one end of which isadhesively secured to the outer surface of said tubular member by meansof a double faced adhesive one face of which is permanently adheredtothe outer surface of the tubular member and to the outer end surface ofthe tie member, and wherein the outer face of the adhesive is coveredwith a removable protective strip which when removed presents a pressuresensitive adhesive surface to which the terminal portions of the tiemember are adhered for maintaining the tubularv member in gatheredcondition about the microscope support arms.

1. A disposable microscope drape for positioning over an operatingmicroscope in enclosing sealing relationship thereto to prevent exhaustof air from within the drape into an operating room at a locationadjacent to an operating zone, said drape fabricated from thin,flexible, air impervious material and comprising an elongate, continuoussubstantially tubular drape open at one end and terminating at the otherend in at least one elongate, outwardly projecting cylinder-definingextension for receiving the ocular of the microscope, means on saidextension for sealing the extension relative to the occular against theescape of air througH said extension, said drape having means forexhausting air from therewithin at a location remote from the operatingzone, a lens ring housing secured and sealed to and carried by saidtubular drape at a location remote from its open end, said lens ringhousing including an optically clear, distortion free, thin,transparent, flat lens to overlie an objective lens of said microscopein spaced, parallel, enclosing relationship thereto, thereby sealing themicroscope in the operating zone to prevent exhaust of air and spread ofgerms from the microscope into the operating zone.
 2. A disposablemicroscope drape as called for in claim 1, wherein the material fromwhich it is fabricated constitutes co-polymer sheeting one mil thickcapable of withstanding temperatures up to 350*F.
 3. A disposablemicroscope drape as called for in claim 1, wherein the lens ring housingincludes means for securely though releasably engaging a portion of amicroscope adjacent the objective lens thereof for positioning the lensof the drape in spaced, parallel, enclosing relationship with theobjective lens of the microscope.
 4. A disposable microscope drape ascalled for in claim 1, wherein the lens ring housing includes aperipheral shoulder which projects upwardly from its lens whereby tosecurely though releasably engage portions of the outer surface of theprojecting objective lens ring of a microscope for positioning the lensof the drape in spaced, parallel, enclosing relationship with theobjective lens of the microscope.
 5. A disposable microscope drape ascalled for in claim 1, wherein the lens ring housing includes an upper,axial surface having pressure sensitive adhesive thereon for adherenceto a portion of the housing of a microscope adjacent the objective lensthereof for securely though releasably positioning the lens of the drapein spaced, parallel, enclosing relationship with the objective lens ofthe microscope.
 6. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim1, wherein the lens ring housing includes a peripheral shoulder portionwhich projects upwardly from its lens and which includes an upper, axialsurface extending from the upper end of said shoulder portion, saidaxial surface having pressure sensitive adhesive thereon and removablemasking means covering said adhesive, whereby the said lens ring housingis adapted to be secured either to portions of the outer surface of theprojecting objective lens ring of a microscope introduced into theshoulder portion of the lens ring housing, or to a portion of thehousing of a microscope adjacent the objective lens thereof adhered tothe pressure sensitive surface of the lens ring housing for securelythough releasably positioning the lens of the drape in spaced, parallel,enclosing relationship with the objective lens of the microscope.
 7. Adisposable microscope drape as called for in claim 1, wherein the lensring housing is secured to and carried by the inner surface of thetubular member.
 8. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim1, wherein the cylinder-defining extensions are open ended anddimensioned to loosely engage the projecting oculars of a microscopewith the eyepieces of said oculars extending beyond the outer open endsof said extensions, and means secured to and carried by each suchextension for constricting each extension on an ocular for precludingthe escape of air from the inside of the drape via said extensions.
 9. Adisposable microscope drape as called for in claim 8, wherein the lengthof the tubular member is sufficient to house the entire head of anoperating microscope including the support arms by which it isadjustably mounted relative to a vertical standard, with the open end ofthe tubular member adjacent said standard, whereby air from inside thedrape is exhausted only through its open end at a location remote fromthe microscope head of the microscope.
 10. A disposable microscope drapeas called for in claim 8, wherein the means for constriCting saidcylinder-defining extensions onto the oculars of a microscope comprises:a length of double faced adhesive, one face of which is adhered directlyto the outer surface of an extension, the other face of which is coveredwith a removable protective strip which when removed presents anadhesive surface to which other portions of the extension are adheredfor effecting and maintaining an air tight seal between an ocular of themicroscope and its corresponding extension of the drape.
 11. Adisposable microscope drape as called for in claim 8, wherein the meansfor constricting said cylinder-defining extensions onto the oculars of amicroscope comprises: a ring shaped, resilient member secured to andcarried by the outer open end of each cylinder-defining extension,wherein the normal diameter of said resilient members are less than theouter diameter of the oculars to provide an air tight seal between theoculars and their respective drape extensions.
 12. A disposable drape ascalled for in claim 1, wherein the lens ring housing constitutesexpanded cross-linked polyethylene foam.
 13. A disposable microscopedrape as called for in claim 1, wherein the lens ring housing and theoptically clear, distortion free, transparent lens are integrally formedfrom the lens material.
 14. A disposable microscope drape as called forin claim 1, wherein an optically clear, distortion free, transparentlens is secured to and carried by the outer end of each of thecylinder-defining extensions.
 15. A disposable microscope drape ascalled for in claim 14, wherein the lenses in the ends of the saidcylinder-defining extensions are dimensioned to be received over and inenclosing relationship with the eyepieces of the oculars of amicroscope.
 16. A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 14,wherein the cylinder-defining extensions include means integraltherewith for securing the extensions to the oculars of a microscope forpositioning and maintaining the lenses in the ends of the extensions incontacting enclosing relationship with the eyepieces of the oculars. 17.A disposable microscope drape as called for in claim 1, wherein thelength of the tubular member is sufficient to house the entire head ofan operating microscope and the support arms by which the microscope isadjustably mounted relative to a vertical standard, with the open end ofthe tubular member adjacent said standard.
 18. A disposable microscopedrape as called for in claim 17, wherein the tubular member includes oneor more elongate, flexible tie members intermediate its length.
 19. Adisposable microscope drape as called for in claim 18, wherein the tiemembers are integral with the tubular member and located between thesaid lens ring housing and the open end of the drape.
 20. A disposablemicroscope drape as called for in claim 19, wherein the tie members areof such a length as to encircle the tubular member when gathered looselyabout the microscope support arms.
 21. A disposable microscope drape ascalled for in claim 20, wherein the tie members comprise an elongate,flexible member one end of which is adhesively secured to the outersurface of said tubular member by means of a double faced adhesive oneface of which is permanently adhered to the outer surface of the tubularmember and to the outer end surface of the tie member, and wherein theouter face of the adhesive is covered with a removable protective stripwhich when removed presents a pressure sensitive adhesive surface towhich the terminal portions of the tie member are adhered formaintaining the tubular member in gathered condition about themicroscope support arms.